Third of seven New Year holidays sees 161 deaths, 1,390 injuries

BANGKOK, Dec 30 – Road accidents on the thrrd of seven Dangerous Days of the New Year holiday have claimed 161 lives, 1,390 injuries. Northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province records most deaths with 12 for drunk driving.

As of December 29, the third day of the so-called seven dangerous days, Ministry of Public Health deputy permanent secretary Amnuay Gajeena said there were a total of 456 road accidents, 57 less than the same period last year, while 75 people were killed in road accidents, two less deaths than last year. There have been 503 people injured, 33 less than last year.

The major causes of accidents this year was drunken-driving, at almost 40 per cent, followed by speeding, at about 30 per cent. Up to 78.5 per cent of all accidents occurring involved motorcycles. Many motorcyclists did not wear helmets.

During the first three days of the seven dangerous days, Thailand recorded total 1,322 accidents. There were 161 people killed and 1,390 others injured in road accidents nationwide, 29 more injuries and 14 more deaths than the same period last year. Chaiyaphum and Samut Songkram provinces saw no road accidents.

There have been zero deaths in 21 provinces and zero injuries in four provinces. The highest number of accidents occurred in Nakhon Ratchasima at 51. The province also records the most deaths and injuries at 12 and 62, respectively.